57th Street: Your Guide to 5 of NYC’s Best Attractions

Welcome to the epicenter of New York City’s art, culture, and luxury. Running crosstown through the heart of Midtown Manhattan, 57th Street is more than just a thoroughfare; it’s a world-renowned destination. Famously dubbed “Billionaires’ Row” for its collection of supertall residential skyscrapers, this iconic street offers a dazzling array of experiences, from legendary performance halls to world-class shopping and serene park views. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, exploring 57th Street reveals the dynamic pulse of the city.

Navigating this bustling corridor can be overwhelming, so we’ve curated a guide to five essential attractions that define the character and prestige of this famous street. Get ready to discover the very best of what this slice of Manhattan has to offer.

What’s On This Page

• 1. Experience Musical History at Carnegie Hall
• 2. Find an Oasis at Central Park South
• 3. Admire the Architecture of The Art Students League of New York
• 4. Indulge in the Shops and Galleries on 57th Street
• 5. Discover Modern Masterpieces Near 57th Street

1. Experience Musical History at Carnegie Hall

Standing majestically at the corner of 57th Street and Seventh Avenue, Carnegie Hall is arguably the most famous concert hall in the world. Since its opening in 1891, its stage has been graced by the most legendary figures in music, from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky on its opening night to The Beatles, Judy Garland, and every significant classical musician of the last century.

The building itself, a designated National Historic Landmark, is a work of art. Its Italian Renaissance-style exterior of warm brick and terra cotta is a beautiful contrast to the sleek glass towers that now surround it. Inside, the Stern Auditorium is renowned for its near-perfect acoustics, creating an intimate and powerful listening experience that is simply unmatched.

What to do:

• Catch a Performance: The best way to experience Carnegie Hall is to see a show. The programming is diverse, featuring everything from symphony orchestras and chamber music to jazz ensembles and contemporary artists.
• Take a Tour: If you can’t make it to a performance, guided tours offer a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the hall’s history, architecture, and legendary stories. You’ll get to see the main auditorium, visit the Rose Museum, and learn about the artists who have made history here.

No visit to this part of Manhattan is complete without at least pausing to admire this temple of music on 57th Street.

2. Find an Oasis at Central Park South

While not a single attraction, the southern border of Central Park runs directly along 57th Street (where it is known as Central Park South). This stretch offers some of the most iconic and picturesque views in the entire city. It’s the perfect place to take a break from the urban hustle and immerse yourself in a bit of nature, all with the dramatic backdrop of Billionaires’ Row skyscrapers.

Here, the energy of 57th Street meets the tranquility of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux’s masterpiece. You can find horse-drawn carriages lined up, ready to offer a timeless tour of the park. This section of the park is home to several beloved spots.

Highlights include:

• The Pond: One of the most serene locations in the park, offering beautiful reflections of the surrounding skyline. Cross the Gapstow Bridge for a postcard-perfect photo opportunity.
• Wollman Rink: A classic NYC experience, offering ice skating in the winter and other activities in the summer. Skating here with the towering buildings of 57th Street in the background is unforgettable.
• Artists’ Gate: This entrance at Central Park South and Sixth Avenue leads you directly into the heart of the park’s main attractions.

A simple stroll along the sidewalk on the north side of 57th Street provides a quintessentially New York experience, blending urban architecture with natural beauty.

3. Admire the Architecture of The Art Students League of New York

Tucked between the towering luxury condos and bustling storefronts is a true cultural gem: The Art Students League of New York. Located at 215 West 57th Street, this historic institution has been a cornerstone of the American art scene since 1875. Its landmark French Renaissance building is a beautiful sight and a testament to the street’s rich artistic heritage.

The League has nurtured some of America’s most celebrated artists, including Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Ai Weiwei. It continues to operate with an open-admissions policy, allowing anyone with a passion for art to study under the guidance of professional artists. This democratic approach to art education makes it a unique and vital part of NYC’s vibrant art scene.

While the classes are for students, the building itself is worth admiring from the sidewalk. Its ornate facade stands in proud defiance of the modern towers around it. The League’s gallery, open to the public, often features exhibitions of student and instructor work, providing a glimpse into the creative energy buzzing within its walls.

4. Indulge in the Shops and Galleries on 57th Street

For decades, 57th Street has been synonymous with high-end luxury and world-class art galleries. The stretch between Eighth Avenue and Park Avenue is a shopper’s paradise, boasting flagship stores from some of the most prestigious brands in the world. Even if you’re just window shopping, the elaborate displays and stunning architecture of these boutiques are a sight to behold.

You’ll find iconic names like Chanel, Dior, and Saint Laurent alongside the famed department store Bergdorf Goodman, which has entrances on both Fifth Avenue and 57th Street. The street’s reputation for luxury is directly tied to its “Billionaires’ Row” status, catering to the residents of the supertall towers above.

Beyond fashion, 57th Street is a major hub for fine art. The Fuller Building at 41 East 57th Street is a historic Art Deco skyscraper that houses several prominent art galleries. For art collectors and enthusiasts, a walk down this street offers the chance to see works from both established masters and contemporary talents. This fusion of commerce and culture is what makes the 57th Street experience so unique.

5. Discover Modern Masterpieces Near 57th Street

While technically located a few blocks south on 53rd Street, no guide to the 57th Street area would be complete without mentioning the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). A short, pleasant walk from the heart of 57th Street, MoMA is an essential stop for any art lover and one of the most influential modern art museums in the world.

Its vast collection includes masterpieces that are instantly recognizable, such as Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, and Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans. The museum’s six floors take you on a journey through the evolution of modern and contemporary art, from late 19th-century Post-Impressionism to the cutting-edge art of today.

Why it’s a must-visit:

• Iconic Collection: See famous works of art that you’ve only ever seen in books.
• Architecture: The building’s design, with its soaring atrium and peaceful Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, is an attraction in itself.
• Proximity: Its location makes it the perfect cultural anchor for a day spent exploring the 57th Street corridor. You can easily pair a morning of shopping with an afternoon of art.

Spending a few hours at MoMA provides incredible context for the art and design you see throughout New York City, making it a perfect complement to your tour of 57th Street.

Your 57th Street Adventure Awaits

From the timeless melodies at Carnegie Hall to the tranquil paths of Central Park and the dazzling luxury in its storefronts, 57th Street offers a concentrated dose of everything that makes New York City great. It’s a street of contrasts—where historic landmarks meet futuristic skyscrapers and cultural institutions sit alongside commercial powerhouses. This guide is just the beginning. The best way to experience it is to walk its length, letting your curiosity guide you from one incredible discovery to the next.